Federal High Court Releases 2025 Christmas Holiday Schedule

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The Federal High Court has announced that its annual Christmas vacation will run from December 19, 2025, to January 7, 2026, with court sittings scheduled to resume across all judicial divisions immediately after the break.

According to Naija News, the vacation timetable was disclosed in Abuja through a statement issued by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher. The notice was prepared in line with a circular approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

Christopher said the details were outlined in an official document titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges.” She added that the schedule complies with Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

Core Divisions to Remain Functioning

While the Federal High Court will be on vacation, its principal judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain open to the public. Only specific urgent matters will be heard, including:

• Fundamental rights enforcement applications

• Matters relating to the arrest or release of vessels

• Issues deemed to be of urgent national importance

Christopher noted that the assigned vacation judges will manage these limited but essential cases to ensure uninterrupted access to justice during the festive period.

Roster of Vacation Judges

Abuja Division

• Justice Emeka Nwite

• Justice Musa Liman

Lagos Division

• Justice Akintayo Aluko

• Justice Isaac Dipeolu

Port Harcourt Division

• Justice P. M. Ayua

• Justice A. T. Mohammed

Enugu Division

• Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo

The roster was approved by the Chief Judge to guarantee smooth operations while most of the judiciary proceeds on recess.

CJ’s Christmas Message

Christopher also conveyed Justice Tsoho’s goodwill message, in which he extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to all judges and court personnel. She highlighted that the break provides a “well-deserved period of rest” after a demanding judicial year, even as essential services remain available.

As is customary during the festive season, several ministries, departments, and agencies of government are expected to scale down operations or adjust schedules. Nonetheless, critical services are required to remain active throughout the holiday period.